Following the recent devastating events in Japan, Sony announced they were delaying the launch of racer MotorStorm Apocalypse in the UK out of respect. Unfortunately the Australian distribution of the game had already started, so you can actually pick the game up in Aussie stores today – but this might be a limited offer.

Sony Australia have confirmed that further shipments of the game Down Under will be halted. The company is also pulling all advertising campaigns for the game – which is set in a post-apocalyptic state, wracked by violent explosions, floods and world-shattering earthquakes.

The full statement:

Further to the recent events in Christchurch, New Zealand, we are shocked and saddened to see the impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and our thoughts are with all those affected. We are very conscious of the underlying theme in MotorStorm and are doing everything we can to be as sensitive as possible to the situation. A number of steps have already taken immediate effect including the delay in distribution of the product in New Zealand. In Australia, the game is already in distribution, however we are ceasing any further shipments and have pulled the total marketing launch campaign in consideration of both of these recent tragic events.

MotorStorm Apocalypse has been delayed indefinitely in New Zealand and Japan, and no new dates have been confirmed for UK or Australia. The North American launch is – at this stage – going ahead on April 12th.